The Phoenix Players Enchanted April Arts Centre, Old Town, Swindon
The stilted formality that was commonplace in 1922 was recreated well in the Phoenix Players' production of Enchanted April, at The Arts Centre, Swindon, last week.
Mrs Lotty Wilton and Mrs Rose Arnott, despite not being First World War widows, are saddened by drab domesticity in gloomy, rainy London. Their hesitant encounter, in the reading room of a Ladies' Club, highlights an alluring small ad in The Times, for rental of an idyllic castle in Italy, complete with cook, for a month of rest and relaxation. This fantastic dream could be realised, insists Lotty, who has been saving the allowance she receives from her husband, Mellersh, a dreary solicitor (Steven King).. Courtenay Merchant played Rose's husband Frederick, (aka writer Florian Ayres), who tends to neglect her.
Lotty and Rose boldly recruit two ladies to share the holiday expense (a princely £15 each!) Jean Belt was superb as the elegant dowager, Mrs Graves, and Emma Hartup gave a smoothly assured performance as Lady Caroline Bramble.. Nicholas Gratton's polished portrayal of Antony Wilding, the castle's owner, was a delight, and Sharon Cooney was the stoical cook/housekeeper, Constanza. Sound effects and wardrobe were especially good.
Sally Lovejoy directed a cast that included four promising newcomers alongside accomplished veteran performers. The play was adapted by Anthony Barber from Elizabeth von Arnim's novel.
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